Thursday, 23rd October, 2014
Virgil van Dijk has stressed the importance of playing in Europe for Celtic ahead of their Europa League clash.
The Hoops will host FC Astra at Celtic Park tonight and will look to maintain their unbeaten run in the competition, building on a promising start.
Celtic failed to make it through to the Champions League group stage, but have redeemed themselves with some fine performances, away to Red Bull Salzburg and at home against Dinamo Zagreb, in the Europa League.
And Van Dijk stressed the importance of playing in Europe for a big club such as Celtic and said that European nights at Celtic Park are a sight to behold.
“European games at Celtic are always special”, the Dutchman told the club’s official matchday programme.
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“Against Dinamo Zagreb, in our last European game, it was an amazing atmosphere. It almost felt like the stadium was full.”
Van Dijk also revealed his personal ambition of playing in Europe and said that he is keen to play against the big teams, but added that Celtic need to maintain their good form to qualify for the knockout round.
"European nights are always a bit special and what Celtic are all about.
"I want to play in Europe, definitely. This is where everyone wants to play. I want to play at the highest level, like any player. I am in it now and want to stay there.
“Everyone wants to play against the big teams and firstly you have to get out of the group stages. We still have a lot of work but we are on our way and have a good chance.”
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